Tree Facts

Trees are the longest living organisms on the planet, and one of Earth’s greatest natural resources. Trees provide food, medicines and materials. They moderate climate, improve air quality, conserve water and harbor wildlife. We could not live without trees because they take carbon dioxide from the air and replace it with oxygen. Trees provide protection for all beings.

“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.” – Chinese Proverb

Benefits That Trees Have On Our Environment

One tree can produce nearly 260 pounds of oxygen annually.

Two mature trees provide enough oxygen annually for a family of four.

Trees make water cleaner by filtering rain.

Trees absorb carbon dioxide produced by motor vehicles.

One tree removes about 1 ton of CO2 annually.

Trees evaporate water in their leaves, which causes air-cooling.

Trees provide habitat for birds and other wildlife.

Tree bark has many medicinal properties.

Tree roots stabilize soil and prevent erosion.

Trees add color to the landscape and enhances the picturesque beauty of the environment.

Trees act as a filter, cleaning the air by intercepting airborne particles, and absorbing air pollutants like carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide.

Tree Facts

The lifetime of a tree varies by region and species, but generally ranges from 50-300 years.

The world’s oldest trees are 4,600 year-old Bristlecone Pines in the USA.

The world’s tallest tree is a Redwood in California. It stands more than 370 feet tall.

The deepest tree roots recorded in the world are from a Wild Fig Tree in South Africa. The roots reached 400 feet into the ground!

The fastest growing tree in the world is the Albizzia Falcata from Malaysia. This tree can grow more than an inch every day.

Dendrochronology is the science of calculating a tree’s age by its rings.

The Oak Tree is America’s official national tree. Oaks are native to 49 of the 50 U.S. states

The Maple Tree was officially proclaimed national arboreal emblem of Canada on April 25, 1996.

Arbor Day

National Arbor Day originated in Nebraska City, Nebraska, on April 10, 1872. In the U.S., Arbor Day is celebrated on the last Friday in April. On this day individuals and groups are encouraged to plant and care for trees. An estimated 1 million trees were planted in Nebraska on the first Arbor Day.